Homework

Homework is often a source of contention, more often between older pupils and their parents or teachers. it is suggested that schools spell out the homework policy so that you are able to establish aproximately what your child should be doing at home on a weekly basis. Of course the really evasive student can find a plausible excuse for doing very little homework ranging from, “Didn’t get any” to “It was only learning anyway!”

It is impossible to check everything your child is supposed to be doing and most parents/carers would find it very difficult to establish the truth in many cases. Close contact with school can usually establish what is happening but it is unwise to wait until parents’ evening before raising your concerns.

There is likely to be some sort of planner or diary recording homework, which you may be asked to sign, but they are only as reliable as the child. They are frequently mislaid and don’t always contain accurate information about what work should be completed. Some schools now put homework on-line and use e-mail communications to deal with problems and queries. That however, assumes parents have access to the Internet.

It is suggested that schools:

Set, mark and monitor homework regularly in keeping with the school policy.

Whilst parents:

Should make every effort to support their child’s learning at home.

The amounts of time children might be expected to spend on homework, are set out below.

Primary

Years 1 & 2 – 1 hour a week (Reading, spelling, other literacy work and number work)

Years 5&6 – 30 minutes a day (Regular weekly schedule with continued emphaisis on litearcay and numeracy but also ranging widely over the curriculum)

Secondary

Years 7&8 – 45 – 90 minutes a day

Year 9 – 1 hour a day

Years 10 & 11 – 1.5 – 2.5 hours a day

Please remember that this is only guidance and schools usually develop homework policies in a way that is most appropriate to the needs of the students.

The key would seem to be consultation at all levels within the school community, which best practice suggests should include pupils, followed by the effective communication of proposals and agreed policies so that everybody understands their role in the process.